As of January 1,
1998, the sulphur content of diesel fuel sold in
Canada is controlled by the federal Diesel Fuel
Regulations

Q:
Why are
the federal Diesel Fuel Regulations Required?

A: New generations of
advanced cleaner-burning diesel engines were
introduced in Canada with the 1994 and 1998 model
years. These advanced engines require the use of
low sulphur diesel fuel. Also, using low sulphur
diesel fuel in older engines, which technically
do not require it, will reduce particulate
emissions.

Q: What is required under
the federal Diesel Fuel Regulations?

A:
Any diesel
fuel sold for on-road use must contain no more
than 0.05% sulphur by weight. As of January 1,
1998, regular sulphur diesel (0.5% sulphur,
maximum) can no loner be sold for on-road use.

Q:
What was
the sulphur content of on-road diesel fuel prior
to the regulations coming into force?

A:
Prior to the
regulations coming into force, diesel fuel could
contain up to 0.5% sulphur by weight (regular
sulphur). Low sulphur diesel fuel (0.05% sulphur,
maximum) has been available since October 1994.
In fact, most of the major petroleum suppliers
have sold only low sulphur diesel fuel in their
retails networks for on-road use since then.

Q:
Will
extending the use of low sulphur diesel to all
on-road diesel engines have any impact on their
performance or durability?

A:
No. There
were initially concerns about the lubricity of
low sulphur diesel fuel. These have since been
addressed by Canadian refiners, and have largely
proven to be unfounded.

Q:
Must
on-road diesel fuel consumers have all their
inventory converted to low sulphur diesel fuel by
January 1, 1998?

A:
No. On-road
diesel fuel consumers who have regular sulphur
diesel fuel in inventory on January 1, 1998, can
use it use after that date without penalty.

Q:
How can I
tell if diesel fuel is low sulphur or regular
sulphur?

A:
The seller
is responsible for identifying whether the diesel
fuel is low or regular sulphur. In most cases,
the colour of the diesel fuel is a good
indicator. On-road los sulphur diesel fuel will
be undyed. Regular sulphur diesel fuel will often
contain red or purple taxation dye, as it will be
sold only for tax-exempt off-road use as of
January 1, 1998.

Q:
If I
purchase diesel fuel at an unattended fueling
facility (i.e. cardlock, keylock), how can I tell
if the dispesning pump will deliver low sulphur
or regular sulphur diesel?

A:
It is the
responsibility of sellers and suppliers to
provide proper labeling and other resources to
guard against misfueling. Many low sulphur diesel
dispensers have a distinctive round yellow decal
with a black centre. Regular sulphur diesel
dispensers will have an octagonal red decal
indicating. "Not for on-road use".

Q:
Will it
still be legal to use tax-exempt regular sulphur
diesel fuel in truck refrigeration units?

A:
Yes,
provided this complies with the tax regulations
in the province where the fuel is purchased.